The competition, which took place from May 23 to May 24, 2024, is part of the broader European Women in Cooling initiative aimed at promoting and supporting women in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RACHP) sector. Robinson, a 2022 World Refrigeration Skills finalist, showcased her superior technical skills and problem-solving ability by expertly troubleshooting a compressor, a critical skill in the RACHP field.
Stephen Gill, Founder of WRD, presented Robinson with the prize of Euros1,000 during the AREA Spring General Assembly at the Titanic Historical Museum in Belfast. He expressed his satisfaction with the competition, noting: 'The skills demonstrated by all participants are crucial for maintaining and optimising refrigeration systems. Robinson's exceptional performance stood out, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in highlighting talent in our industry.'
Gill went on to thank AREA for their continued support for the competition with special thanks to AREA’s Graeme Fox and Marco Buoni for their encouragement for the entrants.
Coen van de Sande, president of AREA, also commented on the competition: 'The exceptional quality of this year's applications not only showcases the talents within our sector but also serves as a beacon encouraging more women to pursue careers in refrigeration technology. AREA is committed to continuing its support for the Women in Cooling initiative, which significantly contributes to the attractiveness of the RACHP sector.'
Upon receiving the award, Robinson shared her surprise and gratitude: 'I didn't think I'd win at all. So, I was expecting to not hear anything. And then, receiving an email from Graham Fox to confirm that I'd won, I was shocked but really happy. I really, really wanted to win it, and then when I was so happy, and then obviously, receiving the award, I just feel really proud of myself but also just grateful to have been given the opportunity and to be involved. The support I've had and the reception from everyone here has been incredibly welcoming.'
Robinson also took a moment to thank her mentor, Pete Summers, for his invaluable guidance and support: 'He's been doing fridge for many, many years. He's put a lot of time and effort into me, and he's taught me a lot. So yeah, I couldn't have done it without him.'
The Women in Cooling European Video Competition continues to inspire and empower women in the technical field, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive industry participation.